However, the data comparing last month to December 2015 tells a different story: Combined private and public sector spending was 4.2 percent higher; total residential gained 3.6 percent; and total nonresidential was up 4.6 percent. The latter category was led by a 31 percent jump in office construction -- lodging improved nearly 20 percent; commercial was up 12.0 percent; and amusement and recreation increased 13.0 percent.